Dar City spoil Petro’s return to Kigali

The last time Petro de Luanda played in Kigali, they won the 2024 BAL trophy, but their return on Saturday turned into a shocking nightmare.

The Angolan champions, who entered the 2026 BAL Playoffs as the top-ranked team, lost 88-82 to Dar City, the lowest-ranked team to reach the quarterfinals, in their opening game.

Although Dar City had led by only two points in the first three quarters, they saved their best until last, registering their biggest win in league history with a 15-0 scoring run in the final 6:28 minutes.

This six-point victory puts Dar City in control of their destiny, while Petro de Luanda have their backs against the wall.

Saturday’s game bore little resemblance to the two teams’ meeting in South Africa in March, when Petro de Luanda secured a comfortable 100-75 victory.

Petro de Luanda’s bench outscored Dar City’s 51–16, but this was the least of Dar City’s concerns, as three of their players – Daniel Utomi, David Michineau and Nisre Zouzoua – were on the floor for the entire game.

Utomi shot 8-for-18 from the floor to finish with a game-high 22 points; Zouzoua added 19; and Michineau contributed 12 points and eight assists. 

Dar City’s’ standout player was undoubtedly the 2023 G League champion, Michael Foster, who shot an impressive 7-for-7, including 2-for-2 from deep, to finish with 19 points.

Another key player for Dar City was former BAL Defensive Player of the Year, Anas Mahmoud, who came off the bench to contribute 13 points and 12 rebounds. 

Chasson Randle and Aboubacar Gakou led Petro de Luanda with 18 and 17 points respectively. However, the former BAL champions must find answers to their struggles. 

Petro de Luanda had a poor night with three-point shooting (8-32), missed 12 of their 18 free throws, and simply couldn’t cope with Dar City, who used seven of their thirteen players.

Reacting to the loss, Gerson Goncalves said: “Our defence lacked focus. They were clearly hungrier than us. The main lesson we must learn from this loss is that we must be hungrier than Dar City. If we are to win this series, we must play as a unit.”

Goncalves recalled that they opened their playoffs campaign with a loss against US Monastir, but regrouped in time to win the Championship. 

“We have been in this position before and I hope we can achieve a happy ending here in Kigali once again.”

Dar City’s Daniel was cautious in his celebration, but admitted that his team is limitless. 

“We don’t want to get too happy,” the Nigerian said, adding: “It’s just one win. As soon as the fourth quarter came, we knew we could do it, and we did just that. Anas Mahmoud is a big addition for us, and he was key for us offensively and defensively.” 

“What’s the limit for Dar City? The Universe!,” Utomi said.

Petro de Luanda and Dar City will meet in their decisive game on 25 May.

BAL